THE FLORIAN SCHOOL OF DANCE

BA(Hons) Dance & Culture, CBTS RAD Registered Teacher, PBT Certified

Emma is a qualified and registered ballet teacher with The Royal Academy of Dance with a BA (Hons) Degree in Dance and Culture from the University of Surrey. She is passionate about the many benefits that dance and ballet can give, and enjoys inspiring a new generation of dancers.

In her early career, Emma danced professionally on Royal Olympic Cruises and worked at Ludas Dance Company and in the education department at the Royal Opera House. She then went on to have a successful career as a professional fundraiser working for charities including The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International Association and the National Trust.

After moving out of London and starting her family, Emma undertook her teacher training under the guidance of Annette FitzGerald and has taught for the Florian since 2017. In September 2022, after 37 years at the helm, Annette stepped back as principal of the school and Emma was given the opportunity to take on the role. Emma said she felt lucky and honoured to have the opportunity of continuing Annette's legacy.

Annette trained at the Arts Educational School, London. Following a career dancing professionally both in the UK and abroad she went on to audition successfully for the Royal Ballet School’s Teachers Training Course RBS (TTC). After graduating from the RBS Annette spent the next 3 years teaching in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, Tuscany. She opened the Florian School of Dance in 1985 and became an Examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance in 1994. Annette also enjoys tutoring for the Academy and is an official mentor for the RAD Certificate in Ballet and Teaching Studies (CBTS). 

National Diploma: Ballet at Pretoria Technikon, S.A; Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Teachers Certificate. 

Katy trained with Sally Sieg at East London Technical College in South Africa. 1991 – 1998 still in South Africa, Katy was demonstrating her versatility as a professional dancer performing with ballet, contemporary, jazz, flamenco and musical theatre companies. She also ran a small dance school in an underprivileged community.

After moving to Greece, Katy obtained her RAD Teaching Certificate with Distinction and taught ballet for 13 years to students of all ages and at all levels.

Katy joined the Florian team in 2011 and continues to enjoy teaching ballet to students from Pre School – Advanced and Adult Ballet classes. Katy is about to start a Masters degree in Education (Dance Teaching) with RAD in collaboration with Bath University.

we are delighted to announce that Katy has recently completed the RAD examiners training programme and joined the Board of Examiners in January 2022.

BA (Hons) Dance. Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (I.S.T.D) D.D.I & D.D.E Ballet, Modern & Tap

Felicity is looking forward to joining the Florian team this term.  She is experienced teaching students at all levels - 3 years to adults, syllabus work and free classes. When Felicity isn't dancing she enjoys spending time with her beautiful 8 month old baby boy.

BA (Hons) in Choreography and Dance

Whilst at Winchester University studying for her degree Amanda was also a member of the D@win Dance Company. She participated in an overseas study program and spent a semester at Shenandoah Conservatory in the U.S.A. Amanda now enjoys working with a wide variety of young people and adults including those with learning disabilities. She runs Innov8 Dance Company which is for advanced, adult contemporary dancers. Here she takes regular classes, choreographs and organises shows, workshops and events.

Amanda is passionate about inspiring others through her dance teaching and is looking forward to developing her skills as a dance teacher and freelance artist. We warmly welcome Amanda to the Florian faculty.